Long-time Gary resident, Ronald L. Cunningham, passed away peacefully at home in Zephyrhills Florida March 15th 2023. He was 85 years old. Ronald was born in Gary, October 1937 to James (Frank) and Margaret (Gilchrist) Cunningham. He was the oldest of 4 siblings. Ronald graduated from Emerson HS. After high school he joined his father with IBEW L697, where he apprenticed as an electrician. He soon hired on with US Steel Gary Works as a motor inspector and belonged to USW L1014. Ronald retired from Gary Works in 2000 after 43 years. Ronald served in the US Navy from 1960 to 1964 as an EM3 E-4 aboard the USS Boyd DD-544. Ronald is remembered by his love and devotion to his children, Timothy, Rhonda, Heather, Samuel, and his attendance at countless softball games and scouting activities.
Ronald was a long-time member of the Miller Izaak Walton League. His interests in living history and mountain man lore involved him with the Fort Tassinong Muzzleloader club in Kouts, and the 7 th Tennessee Civil War reenactment group. Knife smithing and walking stick crafting is how he spent much of his free time.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, James (Frank) and Margaret Cunningham. His sisters Carol (Marlene) Binns, June Wahner. Ronald is survived by his sister Mary Ellen Riggs. His children; Timothy
Cunningham, Rhonda (Roy) Huddleston, Heather (Jim) Brantley), Samuel Cunningham. Grand Children; (Timothy) Johnny Douglas, Richard Douglas, Troix Douglas. (Rhonda) Sage Huddleston, Mathew Huddleston. (Heather) Heather (Carl) Reich, Krystal Petersen, Katy Petersen, Brenna Spieth. (Samuel) Shaun Ryan Cunningham. Great Grand Child; Tyler Reich. Nieces and Nephews; Ken (Kris) Binns, Karen (Steve) Hanlon, Brian (Andrea) Riggs, Gail Riggs. Grand Nieces and Nephews; Brandon Binns, Gracie and Marly Hanlon, James and Felicia Riggs.

Visitation will at Calumet Park Chapel 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville IN, 46410, from 6pm to 8pm  April 14, 2023. Services will be April 15, 2023 at 10am Calumet Park Chapel 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville IN 46410, with internment at Calumet Park Cemetery to follow. All are welcome to join and share our memories.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ronald’s name to Gulfside Hospice of Pasco County Florida, www.gulfside.org, or the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.